Fitting the RAC Black Box

RAC Black Box Car Insurance uses a small telematics device (RAC Black Box) to measure how well your car is driven. The black box must be installed into your car within 14 days of your policy start date and once installed, must remain for the duration of your policy.

We issue two types of self-fit devices - OBD and 12 volt devices. On occasion we may also send an engineer to fit the box for you. We’ll let you know which type of device has been selected for you.

Below you will find some frequently asked questions about the box fitting process.

Q. Can I drive my car before the box is fitted?

Yes, you will be insured to drive the car from the moment the policy starts as we understand it may take a few days to get your black box fitted. You have 14 days to get the box fitted from the date your policy starts.

Q. What happens if I don’t get my box fitted within the first 14-days?

If you fail to get your box fitted within the first 14 days of your policy start date, as per the terms and conditions of this product, your policy may be cancelled. You will receive written notice of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the policy being cancelled, giving you time to either get the box fitted or arrange alternative insurance for your car.

Q. How do I install my self-fit device?

We issue two types of self-fit devices, dependent on your car’s make and model. Both should only take a few minutes to fit using the simple instructions posted out with your RAC Black Box.

- OBD-ll devices are plugged into your 'On Board Diagnostic' Port. The port is usually located just under the dashboard behind the steering wheel, but in some cars, it can also be found in the engine bay, under the handbrake and in the luggage compartment. Help with finding your OBD-II port.

- 12 volt devices can be plugged directly into your s 12V/DC port when your ignition is turned off. You’ll know if your 12V device is fitted correctly when the ring is illuminated.

Q. My RAC Black Box has not arrived?

RAC Black Boxes are shipped from the UK within 3 working days of your policy start date, using Royal Mail 48hr delivery. We’ll let you know by email once your RAC Black Box has been despatched. Don’t worry – it’ll fit through your letter box so there is no need to wait in.

​If you’ve received confirmation it’s been dispatched but your box has not arrived, please contact the team on 0330 808 4353. Please provide your postcode and registration number to help us identify your policy.

Q. My self-fit RAC Black Box is not reporting data, what do I do?

With your cars ignition switched off, please remove the RAC Black Box. Wait for a minute or two, then reinstall the device and switch the ignition on. If your RAC Black Box is fitted correctly a light will show. You can also use your RAC Black Box app to confirm the device shows as active and reporting. If it doesn’t show as installed, you may need to drive a few miles, then recheck it’s been installed.

If the device is still not showing as active in the RAC Black Box app, please try removing it from the port for an hour and then plug it back in.  If it is still not reporting, please contact the team on 0330 808 4353.

Q. How do I return my RAC Black Box?

If we have asked you to return your self-fit RAC Black Box, please place it in the original packaging or a padded envelope and address the parcel to 'Freepost Trakm8’. Your parcel can be popped into any post box. ​We recycle our devices to help reduce our carbon footprint.

Q. How long will it take to fit the box?

Self-fit box: Fitting your box is simple and should take no longer than a few minutes to install. Your RAC Black Box will arrive by post along with instructions on how to fit it. 

Pro-fit box: An engineer box fitting can take up to an hour, although generally takes less than that. Our engineer will contact you the day before the appointment and confirm an approximate arrival time.

Q. Can I select a date for my box to be professionally fitted? (pro-fit policies only)

If we have confirmed that your box must be professionally fitted, you will be asked to select your preferred fitting date. This must be within the first 14 days of your policy start date. You will also have the option to choose between an am or pm slot. The engineer will contact you the day before the appointment and confirm an approximate arrival time within your chosen slot. 

If we are unable to fit the box on the day because no one is available or there is an issue with the vehicle, you'll have to pay a £45 missed installation appointment fee. 

Cancelling your box fitting with less that 24 hours notice will incur a missed installation appointment fee of £45. By choosing to rearrange your appointment, its also likely there will be reduced availability from our fitters.

 
Q. How do I book an engineer to fit my box? (pro-fit policies only)

After purchasing your policy with us, you’ll receive an email from our fitting partner containing a unique link to book your black box fitting date. Click on the link to select your preferred date - please note this must be within 14 days of your policy start date. Morning or afternoon slots are available and the fitter will come to a location of your choice, whether this be at home or work.

Please let us know as soon as possible via Live Chat if you can’t make any of the available slots.

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our black box car insurance policy by exploring the main insurance FAQ page. Our FAQs explore more about our products, the no claims discount (NCD) process, what to do if you have a payment issue and more.